Tis’ the season for slowing down to savor what this season is all about.
Just before Thanksgiving I learned my thyroid had gone haywire again, and suddenly many of my holiday plans nearly came to a stop.
If you’ve read my book Dwelling or followed my wellness journey, you may remember I live with an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s, along with a history of hypothyroidism, anxiety, and panic attacks.
Over the years I’ve been able to nearly reverse many of the symptoms that used to hold me back. By focusing on daily health routines, I haven’t had a virus or major illness in over four years, and I don’t take that for granted.
Autoimmune conditions are tricky, though, and a recent chain of events sent my thyroid into another tailspin. I’ll share the full story after the holidays, but right before Thanksgiving I learned my TSH level had spiked to 208, and several other markers tested poorly.
For those familiar with thyroid issues, that number is alarming. Thankfully, apart from feeling cold most of the time, a sluggish brain fog, and a few mild anxiety episodes, I’m doing well and steadily recovering.
I know that if it weren’t for my daily wellness practices, a resilient immune system, and coordinated thyroid and endocrine support, I would be feeling much worse. Because of how high my levels were, I decided at Thanksgiving to step back and give myself an extended period to rest and heal.
It’s been a long time since I’ve taken this kind of break, but over the years I’ve learned the importance of listening to my body, prioritizing health, and offering myself grace. Making time for rest—especially during the holidays—is not always easy. I postponed big deadlines, delayed decorating and posts, and let go of several tasks I’d planned to complete this month.
Although I wish I didn’t have to manage autoimmune challenges, I’m grateful for the permission to slow down. This quieter season has surprisingly sparked creativity; sitting still has given me new ideas for the home that I’m excited to share in the coming weeks.
On the topic of making time for ourselves, my new guided wellness journal, Dwelling Well, releases the first week of January. It complements the book Dwelling but can also be used on its own.
The timing couldn’t be better for me and I hope it will be for you. I’m looking forward to using the journal in the new year to refocus and restore balance. Even if you don’t usually journal, this one is designed to be approachable and genuinely helpful. I hope many of you will preorder a copy and join me in using it.
What do you have planned for Christmas?
We have family visiting this weekend and I can’t wait. We’ll build gingerbread houses, watch favorite movies, enjoy good food, and attend a Christmas Eve service. I also plan to spend quiet moments wrapped in my coziest blanket, sipping tea by the fire, and reflecting on what this season truly means.